Armored Scale

What it looks like

Small, waxy bumps on leaves, stems, or bark that you can actually scrape or lift off with your fingernail — the covering isn't attached to the bug underneath. Unlike other scale pests, they don't leave sticky honeydew or black sooty mold behind. Heavy infestations can look like a rough, crusty coating on stems.

Often mistaken for: Soft scale (which produces sticky honeydew and sooty mold, unlike armored scale)

When it shows up in the Triangle

Watch for new generations showing up every 6-8 weeks starting with spring growth, so it's worth checking plants through the growing season.

Where you’ll see it

Common on euonymus, camellia, holly, boxwood, magnolia, and many conifers in Triangle landscapes.

What you can do

• Prune out and dispose of heavily infested branches
• Encourage natural predators by avoiding unnecessary pesticide use
• Apply a dormant oil to bare stems and bark in winter to smother overwintering scale
• Check new growth regularly in spring and summer for early signs